China adds AI and robot firms

China adds AI and robot firms

China’s frontier technology sectors expanded rapidly in the first half of 2026, according to official market-regulator data. The country registered 55,000 new generative AI companies, a 28% increase from a year earlier.

The humanoid robot sector grew even faster in absolute numbers, adding 116,000 new firms, up 9.5% year on year. Across strategic emerging and future industries, China recorded 561,000 new enterprise registrations, spanning areas such as information technology, high-end equipment, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Key Events

  • China registered 55,000 new generative AI companies in the first half of 2026.
  • The generative AI sector grew 28% year on year.
  • China added 116,000 humanoid robot companies in the same period.
  • The humanoid robot sector rose 9.5% year on year.
  • A total of 561,000 new enterprises were registered across strategic emerging and future industries in H1 2026.